Oscars announces Best Stunt Design category, to be presented in 2028

For the first time since Oscar Awards' inception, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has established a new Oscar category for Stunt Design to honour technicians and their contribution to the craft of the film.

The historic decision was announced on Friday where it was revealed that the highest achievement for stunt design will be awarded for films released in 2027 in the ceremony that will take place in 2028, which marks the 100th year of the Academy Awards.

"Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking," Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang said in a statement. "We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion."

Rules that apply to the category will be announced in 2027. The Academy’s Board of Governors and executive leaders will decide the specifics for the award's presentation.

Despite decades of debate and discussion surrounding addition of Stunt category in the awards list, there has been no concrete decision on the same. Currently, over 100 stunt professionals are a part of the the Academy's Production and Technology Branch. Director David Leitch, known for John Wick and Deadpool 2 has been vocal in urging for awards in the category. He began his career in films as a stuntman and stunt coordinator before becoming a director.

It is to be noted that only two stunt performers - Yakima Canutt and Hal Needham - have been given the Academy Awards in 1967 and 2012 respectively.

In a statement, Leitch said, "Stunts are essential to every genre of film and rooted deep in our industry’s history—from the groundbreaking work of early pioneers like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin, to the inspiring artistry of today’s stunt designers, coordinators, performers, and choreographers." He continued, "This has been a long journey for so many of us. Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades. We are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Academy."

While sharing the news, The Academy also featured a snip from the famous intermission sequence of SS Rajamouli's epic historical drama film RRR (2022) that won the Oscar award for 'Naatu Naatu' in the Best Original Song category, which made it the first Indian (as well as the first Asian) nominee to win the award. The film became the third Indian film and first Telugu film to receive nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, including Best Foreign Language Film.

An ecstatic Rajamouli wrote on his social media handles, "At last!! After a 100 year wait !!! Ecstatic for the new Oscars stunt design category for the films releasing in 2027! Huge thanks to David Leitch, Chris O’Hara, and the stunt community for making this historic recognition possible, and to The Academy , CEO Bill Kramer, and President Janet Yang for honoring the power of stunt work. Thrilled to see RRR Movie’s action visual shining in the announcement! (sic)."

The Academy had also recently introduced a new award category for achievement in casting. Announced in 2024, the award will be presented in the upcoming 98th Academy Awards scheduled to take place in 2026.